Isaiah 15:2

Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off.

Study Bible

Dibon goes up to its temple
The city of Dibon, located in the territory of Moab, was a significant center of worship and political activity. The phrase "goes up" suggests an act of pilgrimage or ascent, indicating the importance of the temple as a place of worship and lamentation. In the Hebrew context, "going up" often implies approaching a place of divine encounter or judgment. The temple here is likely a pagan shrine, reflecting Moab's idolatrous practices. This ascent to the temple signifies a desperate plea for divine intervention amidst impending doom.

to its high places to weep
High places were elevated sites often used for worship in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel and its neighbors. These locations were thought to be closer to the divine realm. The act of weeping at these high places underscores the depth of Moab's distress and the futility of their idolatrous practices. Historically, high places were centers of both legitimate and illegitimate worship, and here, they symbolize Moab's misplaced trust in false gods.

Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba
Nebo and Medeba were prominent cities in Moab, known for their strategic and cultural significance. The wailing over these cities indicates widespread mourning and a recognition of impending loss. In the Hebrew tradition, wailing is a profound expression of grief, often associated with national calamity or divine judgment. This lamentation reflects Moab's awareness of the severity of their situation and the ineffectiveness of their gods to save them.

Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off
Shaving the head and cutting off the beard were traditional signs of mourning and humiliation in the ancient Near East. These acts symbolize deep sorrow and a state of disgrace. In the Hebrew context, the beard was a symbol of dignity and honor, and its removal indicated a loss of status and respect. This imagery conveys the totality of Moab's despair and the comprehensive nature of their impending judgment. The physical acts of shaving and cutting are outward manifestations of an inward acknowledgment of defeat and subjugation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Dibon
A city in Moab, known for its high places and temples. It was a center of worship and is mentioned here as a place of mourning.

2. Moab
A nation descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is depicted as a place of lamentation in this passage.

3. Nebo
A mountain and a city in Moab, associated with idol worship. It is a site of mourning in this context.

4. Medeba
Another city in Moab, known for its strategic location and historical significance. It is also a place of lament in this passage.

5. Weeping and Mourning Rituals
The shaving of heads and cutting of beards were traditional signs of mourning and distress in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Moab's reliance on its high places and temples highlights the futility of idolatry. True security and peace come from God alone.

The Universality of Mourning
The shaving of heads and cutting of beards symbolize deep sorrow. This passage reminds us that grief is a universal human experience, often tied to loss and judgment.

The Importance of Repentance
The lamentation of Moab serves as a call to repentance. We are reminded to turn away from sin and seek God's mercy.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The judgment on Moab illustrates God's control over all nations. He holds them accountable for their actions and idolatry.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Isaiah's prophecy serves as a warning and a call to reflection for both ancient and modern readers. It encourages us to heed God's word and live righteously.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the mourning of Moab in Isaiah 15:2 teach us about the consequences of turning away from God?

2. How can the rituals of mourning described in this passage inform our understanding of grief and loss in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the judgment of Moab reflect God's sovereignty and justice, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

4. How does the theme of idolatry in Isaiah 15:2 relate to modern forms of idolatry, and what steps can we take to guard against them?

5. Reflecting on the connections between Isaiah 15 and other scriptures, how can we apply the lessons of prophecy and judgment to our personal spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 48
This chapter also speaks of the judgment and lamentation of Moab, echoing the themes found in Isaiah 15.

2 Kings 3
Provides historical context for the relationship between Israel and Moab, including conflicts and alliances.

Amos 2:1-3
Discusses the judgment against Moab for its transgressions, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.